Over half of Pennsylvania lies within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Basin, which runs from central New York to southern Virginia. The 444 mile long Susquehanna River contributes over half of the bays fresh water and as much as 90 % of the fresh water in the bay's upper portions. In addition, 2 % of the Chesapeake's fresh water comes from 1,570 square miles of Pennsylvania Streams that drain into the Potomac River.

Since a third of Potter County streams feed the Susquehanna River, we know that any risk of water pollution here is also a threat to the health of the Bay. The Chesapeake Bay Financial Assistance Program focuses on reducing pollution reaching the bay from the Commonwealth. The program provides assistance to farmers to help eliminate non-point source pollution that may be coming from cropland and animal waste runoff.

The Chesapeake Bay Financial Assistance Program provides 80% cost share unless otherwise stated by the agricultural Best Management Practice (BMP's) to be implement, which will help prevent runoff in conjunction with a Nutrient Management Plan. These BMP's include traditional soil conservation practices, animal waste storage facilities, soil and manure testing, and a host of other practices associated with water quality and erosion control.

Landowners may apply for the Chesapeake Bay Financial Assistance Program Cost Share if they meet the following requirements:

1. The landowner agrees to implement a nutrient management plan after being approved to receive funding, if applicable.
2. The landowner agrees to maintain the installed BMP's for their designated life span (usually 10 years).

After notifying the Conservation District of your interest, in the Chesapeake Bay Financial Assistance Program, an on site evaluation will be conducted to determine the critical areas on your farm. After this visit, we will discuss with the owner / operator BMP's that are best suited for your operation.

The Chesapeake Bay Contract is a management plan listing improvements and schedule of implementation. The Chesapeake Bay Financial Assistance Program defrays the cost of implementing these improvements. Eighty percent of the costs, not exceeding a predetermined cost as stated in the contract, can be reimbursed to the farmer after the practices are completed.

Streambank Fencing

Streambank Fencing is a low-cost, low-maintenance farm management tool that can provide many benefits to both the farmer and the environment.

• Fencing protects herd health by reducing the livestock's contact with water-borne bacteria (mastitis, foot rot, Johne's Disease, BVD, and leptospirosis)
• Fencing also reduces the risk of foot and leg injuries that may occur as the livestock go in and out of the stream
• Fencing helps to break pastures into paddocks for rotational grazing
• Fencing supports a good neighbor policy by improving the water quality as it moves down stream
• Fencing stabilizes streambanks and reduces soil erosion
• Fencing provides wildlife habitat
• Fencing improves fish habitat
• Fencing improves water quality

Click Below to View the Potter County Chesapeake Bay Implementation Plan:

DEP Streambank Fencing Program:
DEP Streambank fencing program offers 100% cost share to landowners within the Chesapeake Bay. The fencing is a single or double strand of high tensile electric fence that is placed at least 12 feet from the top of the Streambank. There is 1 crossing included with the fencing. The farmer has the choice of the type of electric fence charger (electric or solar). There are no plantings included.

Contact Potter County Conservation District 814-274-8411 ext. 4